In August, Hertfordshire Zoo welcomed two delightful additions to their penguin colony. One chick was born to first-time parents, Nandi and Samaki, while the other to an experienced pair, Tanesha and Mkuze. Since hatching, both chicks have thrived, growing strong under the watchful care of their dedicated parents and the expert bird-keeping team at the zoo.
These penguin chicks are part of the European Ex-situ Programme (EEP), an initiative aimed at preserving the genetic diversity and health of endangered species. As African penguins are listed as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to environmental changes, this successful breeding is a milestone for the zoo and a step forward for the species’ conservation.
Karen, one of the zoo’s bird keepers, shared insights on the chicks’ progress: “We’ve been closely monitoring them using nest box cameras and weighing them regularly to ensure they’re growing well.”
She added, “At almost two months old, the chicks now weigh over 2kg, which is similar to some of our smaller adult penguins. The older chick is beginning to explore outside the nest box, so visitors might catch a glimpse of these new arrivals on their next visit!”
Hertfordshire Zoo is committed to the conservation of African penguins and actively collaborates with SANCCOB, the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. This non-profit organisation is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick, injured, and abandoned seabirds, including penguins. Through these vital partnerships, Hertfordshire Zoo continues to play a key role in safeguarding endangered species, ensuring a future for African penguins and other vulnerable wildlife.
